Missouri Supreme Court Disbars Columbia Attorney
The state's high court issued the ruling after finding the attorney failed to appear at dozens of scheduled court hearings.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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The Missouri Supreme Court has formally disbarred Columbia attorney Matthew Alexander Perry. The decision follows a request from the Missouri Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel citing numerous professional conduct violations.
Why it matters
The disbarment underscores the strict enforcement of professional standards regarding attorney diligence, communication, and court attendance. The court determined that Perry failed to meet basic requirements for managing litigation and upholding the administration of justice.
Official records state Perry failed to attend more than 50 court hearings while managing a caseload of over 140 matters. The disciplinary process concludes with his disbarment following his request for a lesser suspension.
The players
Matthew Alexander Perry
He is a Columbia-based attorney whose law practice involved representing clients in lawsuits against local law enforcement agencies.
Missouri Supreme Court
This is the highest judicial body in the state of Missouri responsible for regulating the conduct and licensing of attorneys practicing within its jurisdiction.
Missouri Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel
This office acts as the investigative and prosecutorial body for the state, tasked with reviewing allegations of attorney misconduct.
The details
Perry faced disciplinary action for failing to fulfill obligations related to competence, diligence, and court orders, as well as misrepresentation. His cases included lawsuits filed against both the Columbia Police Department and the University of Missouri Police Department.
Timeline
March 2023 through April 2025: Perry failed to appear at more than 50 court hearings.
October 20, 2026: The Missouri Supreme Court issued the disbarment order for Matthew Alexander Perry.
Legal Context
The disbarment follows a pattern of enforcement regarding the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct. Recent disciplinary trends in the state have emphasized the necessity of maintaining communication and meeting court-ordered deadlines to protect the integrity of the judicial system.
Residents involved in legal disputes handled by Perry may face significant delays or the need to seek new legal representation to manage their active cases. Those with concerns about pending litigation should contact the court to confirm the status of their files and ensure their interests remain protected.
The takeaway
Maintaining consistent communication and fulfilling court appearances are foundational duties for legal practitioners. Failure to uphold these standards can lead to severe professional consequences that directly impact the stability of clients' ongoing legal matters.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC17NEWS.
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